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Simple walking could be enough to improve heart

Regular walking could be a simple way of ensuring that a person has a healthy heart.

Scientists, who published their findings in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal, found that the simple exercise can significantly reduce the chances of developing metabolic syndrome.

This is the term doctors use to describe a combination of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and blood sugar and excess weight around a person's waist.

People whose fitness levels were described as at least moderate were seen to be less likely to be at risk than those with poor fitness.

Doireann Maddock, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This research confirms that physical activity doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym - simple but regular exercise, such as walking, can have real health benefits."

She explained that a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week will increase fitness levels and help keep a heart healthy.